Select and develop programming for each season, balancing artistic vision with available financial, human, production, and marketing resources. Present proposed annual programming to the Board for approval. Provide artistic leadership throughout the creative and production process.

Engage stage management and collaborate in the selection of technical and production personnel. Attend production and planning meetings as required. Champion artistic excellence, experimentation, professional development, and meaningful creative dialogue.

Community & Artistic Relationships Be an active and visible member of Canada's dance community. Attend performances and events presented by other organizations and artists. Develop and nurture creative partnerships and relationships within Calgary and Alberta.

Maintain and expand connections within the national dance community. Support opportunities that increase connection and collaboration among Alberta dance artists. Promote DSW's work and mandate within the broader artistic community and professional associations.

Advance DSW's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility among artists, collaborators, audiences, and contractors. Support programming and organizational practices that create meaningful opportunities for diverse voices and perspectives. Contribute to strategic planning and organizational development.

Foster positive, respectful, and collaborative relationships among artists, contractors, volunteers, and Board members. Help create a solid sense of team within a small organization where collaboration and flexibility are essential. Support implementation of the organization's Fund Development Plan.

Leverage relationships within the artistic community to help recruit volunteers for fundraising activities. Help communicate the artistic value and community impact of DSW to funders, donors, sponsors, and audiences.



Prepare or contribute artistic statements, program notes, newsletter and website content, and other promotional materials.

Serve as the organization's primary spokesperson on artistic matters. Participate in media interviews, photo calls, and other public relations opportunities.

Ensure

Board members, volunteers, and contractors have the information they need to speak confidently about DSW's artistic mandate and programming. Participate in pre-show chats, receptions, and special events, helping build meaningful relationships with audiences, sponsors, donors, and community partners. Attend and participate in the Annual General Meeting, including presenting an artistic report for inclusion in the Annual Report.

Take an active leadership role in strategic planning retreats and organizational discussions. Current and former members, program participants, contractors, volunteers, and former Board members are eligible to apply for the Artistic Director position. Any actual or perceived conflicts of interest arising during the recruitment process will be managed in accordance with DSW's governance and conflict of interest policies to ensure a fair, transparent, and equitable hiring process.

Mostly remote, with some in-person commitments including occasional nights and weekends. For peak season, about 3-4 weeks per year, in-person full-time (40 hours/week) availability may be required. Your interest in the Artistic Director position; Dancers' Studio West (DSW) is a Mohkínstsis/Calgary-based charitable nonprofit organization that exists to support independent dance artists in Alberta.

Our mission is to cultivate independent artists' work from ideation to production so that artists can flourish in their chosen artistic movement practice. Dancers' Studio West serves artists whose work resonates with one or more of the following artistic values: Innovation; and Social Impact.

📌 Temporary Artistic Director (Calgary)
🏢 Cultural Human Resources Council
📍 Calgary